Eat This Now: Street tacos at Ricos Tacos “Lupe”

Ricos Tacos “Lupe” // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Best street tacos I’ve had. That’s it–article over. 

Fine, I’ll elaborate.

On a Southwest Blvd. block brimming with eateries, Ricos Tacos “Lupe” rests subtly behind an orange exterior with a glass door. A few picnic tables out front extend seating for the small restaurant.  

Like the exterior, street tacos are simple by nature, which requires each ingredient to pull its own weight. A small tortilla with meat, onions, and cilantro is usually easy to get right, but tough to stand out. Here, the onions–yes, onions–live rent-free in my mind. Finely diced onions add the crispiest crunch yet a gentle flavor, while seasoned chicken or carne asada brings a richer intensity. In fact, I was torn between picking up the chicken pieces with my fingers to devour them on their own or putting them back in the taco for more complete bites. 

Other protein choices are offered, such as al pastor, chorizo, barbacoa, and more, all for $2.50. I simply had no critiques of this taco, and both the texture and the flavor (especially of the chicken) stuck with me. The biggest challenge this lunch provided was making myself stop eating after I was full.

At this pictured meal, my sister and I complemented the tacos with a couple of tender tamales, guacamole, and the chips & sauces provided at the table. At $7, the portion and the flavor of the guac wasn’t worth it, so stick with the table sauces or fill up on more tacos.  Afterward, we walked to Panaderia de Las Americas Bakery for some giant cookies to take home.

With no website and scant social media presence, Ricos Tacos “Lupe” has survived (hopefully thrived–I don’t know their books) on reputation. Deservedly so.

Ricos Tacos “Lupe” is at 802 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108.